CULTURE
When Plushies Take a Seat: Japan’s “Nuikatsu” Boom Collides With Restaurant Manners
A couple of viral incidents online highlight how some restaurants are struggling to handle customers bringing their stuffed +1s.
social media
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CULTURE
SEX & NIGHTLIFE
In Japan, Oshikatsu is Fostering an Underage Sex Work Pipeline
Oshikatsu has girls turning to sex work to give money to their favorite performers. Some are as young as 15.
SOCIETY
Is Japan REALLY Trying to Ban Saying “Itadakimasu” at Schools?
Japan's "War on Christmas" is a viral online claim framed as an attack on Japanese culture. Just one problem: it isn't true.
TRAVEL
The Most Common Japan Travel Regrets – and How to Avoid Them
Enjoying your time in Japan requires knowing a few things that don't go viral. Here's what we've learned from working with our…
INSIDER
“Utility Pole Girls”: Japanese Media Has a Demeaning New Buzzword for Women
A survey of 3,000 women found 58% identified with the phenomenon. But it's the label that has people riled up.
FOOD
Nekomanma: The “Ill-Mannered” Japanese Food That Used to be a Commonfolk Staple
Is pouring miso soup onto rice bad manners? It is in modern Japan. But this "cat food" was a commoner staple for…
WOMEN
Japanese Con Cafe Worker Called “Hero” for Stabbing Train Groper with Safety Pin
A con cafe worker's tweet about stabbing a groper's hand with a safety pin on her morning commute drew near-universal praise.
CULTURE
“Friendflation”: Japanese Youth Are Saving Money By Cutting Out Friends
Japan joins a worldwide trend of limiting your social network as the cost of having friends becomes prohibitive.